Education notebook | Dance majors learn moves from a master

Watching dance students practice at the Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology Thursday, there was an instant appreciation for the work that goes into a pure and flawless performance.

The students – mainly juniors and seniors – are blessed with an abundance of talent, stamina and flexibility, but there is nuance in every step, which is a challenge to master and flow together in combination.

Teacher Ivy Hale puts them through creative paces every school day, but for the seventh year has enhanced their education with two weeks of master classes with professional dancer Brian McGinnis.

McGinnis, a native of Worcester, Mass., dances with the Lar Lubovitch Company in New York City and has a dance degree from the Julliard School. He has performed with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Elise Monte Dance and Parsons Dance Company, and has toured and taught master classes nationally and internationally.

“A master class means that you’re taking a technique class with a professional in the field, and it’s concentrated in a particular area,” Hale said. “It’s not something you do in a regular dance class. It’s taking them right to the edge, and Brian’s very good at that.”

As the all-female class sampled some steps, McGinnis put on a Mary J. Blige selection and hit the floor with them, encouraging and correcting as they honed their technique.

“Don’t forget the arms are curved at the second position,” McGinnis instructed. “Twist your body to the front. Yes, now we’re talking!”

As they rehearsed various routines, McGinnis coached and demonstrated with amazing ease, emphasizing focus, transition and control in their movements.

“Beautiful ladies!” McGinnis told students at the end of a song. “There are huge changes in this room – huge, huge changes.”

McGinnis believes that dance should be joyous and said he helps students to clean up their technique and to take the first steps of believing in their bodies so they can move forward and progress.

He also is very realistic with them about what it takes to achieve success in the real world.

McGinnis said he always can spot that student who has a natural facility for dance, but unlike in years past, dance companies are breaking the mold and using all types of dancers, even those who don’t have the traditional silhouette.

“You don’t want to neglect those who have heart and passion, because they are the kind of dancer artists want to work with,” McGinnis said. “You can have the perfect body, but you also can train those people who are committed. You can train the muscles and get the body.”

Senior Alexis Wiseman, 17, wants to major in dance at college and has been accepted at Columbia College and Coker College. She said working with McGinnis is giving her a preview of what’s ahead.

“He gets me thinking in different ways about dance,” Wiseman said. “He teaches what I’ll learn in college and what I’ll need for auditions.”

McGinnis encourages students to pursue college, where they can mature and graduate with a degree, which is respected by people in the industry.

While everyone won’t end up being a professional dancer, McGinnis and Hale said students also are exploring their potential for many other careers that are associated with dance, from teaching, choreography and forms of movement therapy, to theater and costume design.

“The gamut is huge,” McGinnis said.